Market Pulse
UBS reiterates buy on Royal Dutch Shell
Following regulatory clearance from Australia for Royal Dutch Shell's purchase of BG Group, analysts at UBS reiterated their ‘buy’ recommendation on shares of the the oil major.
Friday newspaper share tips: DS Smith a share to keep
DS Smith is being unpacked by the papers in Friday’s share tips.
US hourly wages grow in line with forecast in November
The growth in average hourly wages paid to workers in the US was in line with expectations in November, official data released on Friday showed.
European Commission rejects UK's bid to probe Hutchison/Telefonica deal
The European Commission has decided not to refer the planned acquisition of Telefonica’s O2 unit by Hutchison to the UK competition authority.
US pre-open: Futures rebound ahead of non-farm payrolls
US stock futures pointed to a rebound on Friday, as investors awaited what is expected to be a strong payrolls report.
OPEC: Oil market pricing in 'no quota change', ministers send conflicting signals
Oil markets are pricing in a no change scenario in terms of OPEC's production, with the 12 member producers’ collective poised to confirm this later on Friday, despite internal differences.
London midday: Stocks fall ahead of non-farm payrolls
London stocks were in the red on Friday as investors awaited the all-important US non-farm payrolls report.
AB Foods says currency pressures will lead to modest drop in earnings
Primark owner Associated British Foods reaffirmed its guidance for the 2016 financial year, saying currency pressures will likely lead to a modest decline in adjusted operating profit and earnings.
Europe midday: Stocks in the red as focus shifts to payrolls report
European stocks edged lower amid disappointment over the European Central Bank’s latest policy measures, as investors looked ahead to the release of key US jobs data.
Asia: Stocks end the week on downbeat note as ECB decision disappoints
Asian stocks ended the week on a downbeat note, as investors were left disappointed by the latest round of stimulus measures introduced by the European Central Bank.
Non-Standard Finance acquires Everyday Loans
Lending company Non-Standard Finance has agreed to acquire Everyday Loans – the consumer finance business of Arbuthnot Banking Group – from Secure Trust Bank for an enterprise value of £235m.
Bundesbank slashes inflation forecasts
The German central bank has cut its inflation forecasts for this year and the next, largely on the back of the renewed downturn in crude oil prices, which it said had not been expected in June.
Ilika warns of lower revenue and wider loss as investment continues
Solid-state batteries developer Ilika warned that its interim revenue is likely to be lower because of the investment it has made on its development programme.
TfL urges talks to resume to avoid 17 days of DLR strikes
Another series of strikes on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is on the cards for early 2016 after a breakdown in industrial relations.
CVS Group completes acquisitions and agrees new banking facilities
Veterinary services provider CVS Group has completed the acquisition of Albavet and The Pet Crematorium in two separate deals.
Escher Group Holdings license deals won't be completed by year-end
Escher Group Holdings license revenue for the year is expected to be "materially lower than expectations" for the year, which has sent the share price plummeting.
Deutsche downgrades Cobham on valuation, Aeroflex deal
Deutsche Bank downgraded Cobham to ‘sell’ from ‘hold’, noting that after the recent run in the stock, the 265p price target is now 12% below the current share price.
German retail PMI falls below 50 for first time in 14 months
German retail sales fell for the first time in over 12 months in November, figures released on Friday showed.
London Stock Exchange appoints two new non-exec directors
London Stock Exchange Group has appointed David Nish, former chief executive of Standard Life, and Lex Hoogduin, the current chairman of LCH. Clearnet, as non-executive directors.
UK government extends Lloyds selloff plan by up to six months
The UK government has announced plans to keep selling shares in Lloyds Banking Group to institutional investors, extending its original trading plan by up to six months.